Panthers hope to take the next step as the season begins

The Florida Panthers begin the Paul Maurice era Thursday when they travel to the New York Islanders to start the regular season.

The Panthers had the NHL’s best regular-season record last season but were swept by Tampa Bay in the second round of the playoffs. That prompted the Panthers to hire Maurice to replace Interim Coach Andrew Brunette.

Maurice led Winnipeg to the playoffs for four-straight seasons, including the 2018 Western Conference Final. The Panthers hope his experience will help them get over their playoff blues.

The Panthers also acquired high-scoring forward Matthew Tkachuk in a trade with Calgary.

– Joe Henderson, Extensive Enterprises Media